Automated reply messages among end user communication devices

Abstract

An exemplary method processes an electronic communication received by a first end-user communication device. A communication, received by the first end-user communication device, is a digital message sent from a second end-user device. A message processing program includes an auto-reply generation method that is active to automatically transmit a predetermined reply message to another device upon receipt of a message from it. A list of origination addresses to which the predetermined reply message has previously been transmitted is stored in memory. On receipt of the digital message from the second end-user device, a determination is made if the origination address of the second end-user device is in the list of origination addresses. If it is in the list of origination addresses, the auto-reply generation method is inhibited from transmitting the predetermined reply message. If it is not in the list of origination addresses, the origination address of the second end-user device is added to the list and the auto-reply generation method is permitted to transmit the predetermined reply message to the origination address of the second end-user device.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]This invention relates to communications among end user communication devices and more specifically to automated replies generated by an end user communication device in response to the receipt of a message.[0002]Wireless communication devices are now prevalent throughout all developed countries of the world. Although cellular telephones are currently the most widespread, other types of wireless communication devices include personal digital assistants, laptop computers with Wi-Fi and / or telecommunication carrier communication support, and various types of “pads” that provide visual displays that are larger than conventional cellular telephones but typically smaller than the displays of a laptop computer. Wireless data communications between mobile devices utilizing different types of communication protocols, e.g. analog, TDMA, CDMA, VOIP, etc., are supported by different telecommunication carriers which provide appropriate communication protocol interfaces / gateways ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005]An exemplary method processes an electronic communication received by a first end-user communication device. A communication, received by the first end-user communication device, is a digital message sent from a second end-user device. A message processing program includes an auto-reply generation method that is active to automatically transmit a predetermined reply message to another device upon receipt of a message from it. A list of origination addresses to which the predetermined reply message has previously been transmitted is stored in memory. On receipt of the digita

Problems solved by technology

However, if the originator has set his message client to auto-respond, then a so called endless loop may result where the two message clients continue to send automated messages to each other in response to the receipt of the other's automated message.

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